Byrne to miss Brno after Haslam clash?

Shane Byrne could be forced to miss the upcoming ninth round of the 2010 World Superbike Championship, at Brno, after injuring his hand during a testing clash with Leon Haslam.

Shane Byrne could be forced to miss the upcoming ninth round of the 2010 World Superbike Championship, at Brno, after injuring his hand during a testing clash with fellow Briton Leon Haslam.

Byrne was on an out-lap at Imola when, according to his Althea Ducati team, 'Leon Haslam (presumed to be victim of a mechanical problem) collided violently with him'.

Byrne suffered a deep cut to his left hand and might also have suffered a fracture to his second metacarpal. The Brno round takes place from July 9-11.

"I'm sorry for what happened to Shane but we hope that he is fine in time for Brno," said team manager Genesio Bevilacqua. "An English rider like him will surely be able to fight back with determination, also considering his results at Brno last year."

Byrne, who has struggled to replicate the results of team-mate Carlos Checa this season, finished, finished fourth and eighth at the 2009 Czech event.